Square Dance History Project
The rich story of North American square dance finally has a home in the digital age.

Browse Items (250 total)

  • Tags: MWSD
Moving Image

Bronc Wise, C-1

C-1; caller Bronc Wise View item
Moving Image

Swing Thru - Jim Mayo - MWSD 3a

This is one of a set of videos documenting Jim Mayo's workshop on Modern Western Square Dance, recorded November 19, 2011. In this series, Jim teaches Swing Thru, a figure that opened up exciting… View item
Website

Sets in Order archive

The complete collection of Sets in Order (which changed its name to Square Dancing in 1968) is available online through the University of Denver. The issues were scanned by New Jersey dance caller… View item
Moving Image

12th Street Rag - Jim Mayo - MWSD 2c

This is a series of videos documenting Jim Mayo's workshop on Modern Western Square Dance, recorded November 19, 2011. This was part of the Dare To Be Square Weekend held at the John C. Campbell… View item
Document

5 Steps to Better Dancing

The "5 Steps" of the title can be taken literally; this tiny handout, illustrated with stick figures, is all about how to move on the dance floor: 1. Keep both feet on the floor,… View item
Website

50 Years of Square Dancing in Germany

The first square dance was held in Bremen on July 16, 1949, called by Paul Hartman and attended by five squares, mostly American servicemen and their guests. The event was a success and Hartman began… View item
Still Image

A Night at Sunny Hills

Album cover, inside text, and a related record label. This recording, from 1951, illustrates what was considered appropriate material for experienced square dancers at that time in southern… View item
Document

ABC's of Square Dancing

This informal guide to square dancing is aimed at beginners, an easy-to-ready pamphlet that a caller could distribute to dancers in a class. It strikes a friendly tone: --- So you wanta'… View item
Sound

Al Brundage - dance history

Note: The audio file takes a while to load, so be patient.This recording documents a presentation by Al Brundage about the history of square dancing. The tape label has no information about the date… View item
Still Image

Al Brundage - photos

View item
Sound

Al Brundage – Live recording, 1952

Early MWSD choreographyThis recording is an example of what local callers in southern New England were calling in 1952. The location is not identified. Al says he is using a record without speed… View item
Moving Image

Alabama Jubilee - Joe Casey

Joe Casey, caller. View item